COURSE SYLLABUS

Summer Term, AY 2016-2017

Course Information Faculty Information

Course Code: CHE 423N Name: Engr. Alchris W. Go, PhD
Engineering of Homogeneous
Course Title: Office: Department of Chemical Engineering
Chemical Reactions
Credit Units: 3 Email: che423nusc.awg@gmail.com
CHE 411N Phase and Chemical
Equilibria of Mixtures,
Pre-requisites: Phone: (032) 3446783
CHM 410 Mathematical Modeling in
Chemical Engineering
MW 2:00 4:00 PM LB CH1T Consultation
Schedule: TTH 2:00 4:30 PM LB CH1T
TTH 10:30 12:00 NN
Time:
Course Description
The course deals with the kinetics of chemical conversions, interpretation of reactor data and analysis of ideal
chemical reactors where homogeneous reactions take place. Through mass balance relationships, the analysis for
single reactors or cascade of reactors is studied with emphasis on the relationships between reactor type and
conversion, selectivity, or productivity.

COURSE OUTCOMES (CO)

At the end of the course, students should be able to: Alignment to Program Outcomes
CO1: propose and validate kinetic models for The course is enabling for the achievement of:
homogeneous chemical reactions, based on empirical [PO5] Ability to identify, formulate, and solve chemical
chemical reaction kinetic data; engineering problems
[PO7] Ability to design a system, component, or
CO2: propose and evaluate which reactor type or process to meet desired targets in accordance with
combination of reactors would yield best performance for standards and with realistic considerations of
a given situation; economic, environmental, social, political, ethical,
health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
constraints
CO3: estimate of predict the conversion of chemical
components/specie in different kinds of reactors, given The course is demonstrative for the achievement of:
data on reaction system and operational constraints; [PO1] Ability to apply knowledge of mathematics and
science to the general practice of chemical engineering
CO4: perform or carry out sizing calculations for ideal and in at least one specialized field of application
batch, continuous stirred tank, and tubular reactors for [PO4] Ability to analyze and interpret data to improve,
homogeneous reactions. innovate and supervise systems, its components or
processes
ASSESSMENT OF OUTCOMES
Students are assessed as having achieved the outcomes through the following items: individual and group
exercises or assignments, quizzes, long exams, comprehensive exam and a group project described as follows:

Exercises, Assignments and Quizzes (CO1CO4)

Several exercises and quizzes will be administered throughout the semester. The exercises, either done
individually or in groups, are performed during laboratory schedules. Quizzes may be given during lecture sessions.
Group assignments requiring longer periods for answering will be given during the laboratory session, and in these
cases, a deadline for submission will be set. The answers to the assignments will be written in a prescribed format
on sheets of short bond paper. The guidelines on the format will be distributed together with the description of the
assignment. Failure to submit on time and failure to follow the prescribed format will not be automatically
rated as 5.0. A compilation of all the quizzes, exercises and assignments should be submitted two weeks before

Department of Chemical Engineering, University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines Page 1
 the final exam week. Failure to submit a portfolio of the quizzes, exercises and assignments will be given a
grade of INC.

Long Exams (CO1 - CO4)

Three long examinations will be given on set dates within the semester. These exams will serve as formative
assessments to reinforce the students learning and calibrate their current understanding of the course.

Comprehensive Exam ___ (CO1 - CO4)

A comprehensive exam will be given at the end of the semester as the final assessment for the course. The
comprehensive exam will be divided into two (2) parts: Multiple choice (30%) and Problem Solving (70%). Students
are required to have a minimum rating of 2.5 in the comprehensive exam. Students who receives a rating
of below 3.0 will automatically be given a final grade of 5.0. Student who receives a rating between less
than 2.5 but not lower than 3.0 (1.0 as the highest and 5.0 as the lowest) will have to take another
comprehensive exam. Failure to meet the required ratings will result in a final grade of 5.0.

Case Study (Group Project) (CO1-CO4)

Students will be organized in teams (3 to 4 students) to work on a project involving the modeling of reaction kinetics
involved emerging chemical processes and propose appropriate ideal reactor sizing and scheme. The student
teams will be given the whole summer term to work on the case study. A final report on the case study should be
submitted both in print and electronically, 2 weeks before the final exam week. Student teams who fails to submit
on time and fails to follow the prescribed format will be asked to resubmit a new case study. In the event
that a group fails to meet the set deadline and prescribed format twice the members of the group will
automatically be rated 5.0 for the case study. Refer to Annex 1 for a list of references of possible cases to work
on for the project.

The exercises, quizzes and assignments compiled as a portfolio will serve as formative in nature whereas the
comprehensive exam and case study are summative assessments and thus weigh larger than the rest of the tasks.
Formative Summative (Rubric-Based)
For CO1: Long Exam 1 For CO1 to CO4: Comprehensive Exam
For CO2: Long Exam 3 For CO1 and CO4: Case Study
For CO3 and CO4: Long Exam 2 (modeling of reaction kinetics involved emerging
For CO1 to CO4: Portfolio (Rubric-Based) chemical processes and propose appropriate reactor
(a compilation of the quizzes, exercises and problem sets) sizing and scheme)

Assessment Rubrics

The tasks will be rated in terms of their quality using a specific rubric. In the rubric, five different levels of attainment
are identified and have corresponding descriptors as listed in the table(s) found in Annex 2, corresponding to the
following assessment rubric:

Rubric ChE01: Rubric for Portfolio (Problem Sets)

Rubric ChE02: Rubric for Objective and Multiple Choice Type of Exam
Rubric ChE03-2: Rubric for Case Study Kinetic Model and Reactor Sizing
Rubric ChE04: Rubric for Calculation Exams Related to Thermodynamic Systems and ChE Processes

Grading System
Rubric-based ratings for all assessment tasks are given corresponding weights to comprise the grade that the
student gets for the course:

Department of Chemical Engineering, University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines Page 2
 Assessment Weight Por Grade x 0.10
LE Grade x 0.20
Portfolio (Por) for CO1 to CO4 10%
CE Grade x 0.40
Long Exam-Average (LE) for CO1 to CO4 20% Case Study x 0.30
Comprehensive Exam (CE) for CO1 to CO4 40% Total Grade
Passing Grade: 3.0
Case Study (CS) for CO1 to CO4 30% Additional Condition for Passing:
Grades from CE & CS must at least be 2.5.

LEARNING PLAN
Course
Topic Week Learning Activities
Outcome
Overview of Chemical Reaction Engineering Reading Assignment
The industrial chemical process and Chapter 1 of Levenspiel (1999)
CO1 chemical reaction engineering Lecture-Discussion on definitions
Classification of reactions of terms and system of
Variables affecting the rate of reaction classification
Reaction rate definitions Illustrative rate calculations
Kinetics of Homogeneous Reactions Reading Assignment
Chapter 2 of Levenspeil (1999)
Concentration-dependent term of a rate
equation (Elementary Reactions, 1-2 Lecture
CO1
Mechanisms of Non-Elementary Reactions) Group exercises
Temperature-dependent term of a rate Discussion of illustrative examples
equation (Arrhenius Law)
Interpretation of Batch Reactor Data Reading Assignment
Constant-Volume Batch Reactor (BR) Data Chapter 3 of Levenspeil (1999)
CO1 (Integral Method) Lecture Demonstration
CO2 Constant-Volume BR Data (Differential Group Exercises
Method) Boardwork
Variable-Volume BR Data
Ideal Reactors for Single Reactions & Design Reading Assignment
for Single Reactions Chapters 4, 5 & 6 of Levenspeil
Ideal Reactor Performance Equations (1999)
CO3 Ideal Batch Reactor, Ideal Mixed Flow Lecture
Reactor, Ideal Plug Flow Reactor 2-4 Guided problem-solving exercises
CO4
Size Comparison of Single Reactors
Multiple Reactor Systems
Recycle Reactors
Autocatalytic Reactions
Design for Multiple Reactions Reading Assignment
Introduction to Multiple Reactions Chapters 7, 8 & 9 of Levenspeil
Product Distribution and Reactor Size (1999)
Successive Irreversible Reactions of Lecture
Different Orders Student Presentation/Groupwork
CO3 Reversible Reactions Guided problem-solving exercises
4-6
CO4 Irreversible Series-Parallel Reactions
The Denbigh Reaction
Temperature and Pressure Effects
Single Reactions
Multiple Reactions

Department of Chemical Engineering, University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines Page 3
 Learning Resources

Books
Levenspiel, O. Chemical Reaction Engineering, 3rd ed, John Wiley and Sons, USA (1999)
Davis, M. E., Davis, R. J. Fundamentals of Chemical Reaction Engineering, McGraw-Hill, USA (2003)
Fogler, H. S. Elements of Chemical Reaction Engineering, 4th ed, Prentice-Hall, USA (2006)
Smith, J. M. Chemical Engineering Kinetics, McGraw-Hill, USA (1981)
Walas, S. M. Reaction Kinetics for Chemical Engineers, McGraw-Hill, USA (1989)

Online Resource(s)
Elements of Chemical Reaction Engineering by Fogler
http://www/engin.umich.edu/~cre/

Class Policies
Attendance and Tardiness
You are expected to be in the classroom on time. You are considered late if you come in 5 minutes after the start
of the session or absent if you come in later than 15 minutes. Three late marks will be considered as one absence.
Note that from Section 4.2 of the Student Manual (2006 Ed), it is stated that Unsatisfactory performance or
absences of more than 20% of the prescribed number of class hours or laboratory periods during the term is
considered a Failure and merits a Grade of 5.0.
Class Sessions
When in the classroom, you are expected to engage in a positive learning environment. This means that you must
come to class prepared. Also, you are expected to show proper decorum in the classroom and participate in all
classroom activities such as topic discussions, group work or exercises, board work, and oral presentations.
Working on other matters not related to the subject during class time is not allowed. If it is necessary to do so, you
should not attend class and deal with the consequences of missing a lecture or any classroom activity. Most
importantly, using cell phones, tablets, and portable computers are not allowed unless instructed to do so. Texting,
internet browsing, and checking emails during class are a reflection of your lack of respect to your peers and
instructor. Your instructor reserves the right to eject you from the classroom if you misbehave.
Consultation
You can consult your instructor at the times indicated in the column entitled Teacher Information when you
need to discuss important matters about the course. Otherwise, set a date beforehand so that you will be
entertained by your instructor.
Communication
You can also communicate with the instructor using the email account made for this particular course, which is:
che423nusc.awg@gmail.com. It is also through this account that copies of the syllabus, exercises, assignments
and other important matters concerning the course will be sent.
Examinations, Exercises and Assignments:
It is stated in Section 4.1.1 of the Student Manual (2006 Ed) that No student is allowed to take the pre-midterm,
midterm, pre-final, and final examinations unless he/she presents his/her Examination Permit issued by the
Accounting Office. Thus, always present your examination permit during an examination.
In cases where an important activity which you have to attend comes in conflict with the schedule of a major
examination, please approach your instructor or inform him via email so that another schedule can be set for a
special examination. In cases where an examination is missed because of an emergency or an inevitable
circumstance such as an illness, please inform your instructor and present pertinent documents necessary to prove
the validity of your absence as soon as possible (preferably on the day of your return to class) so that arrangements
can be made for a special examination. No special consideration will be given in cases where an exercise or an
assignment is missed.

Department of Chemical Engineering, University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines Page 4
 Deadlines for submission of exercises and assignments will be set at the time of their distribution. Those that are
required to be submitted at the department must be received and stamped by the secretary if your instructor is not
present. This must be done not later than 5:00 pm unless instructed otherwise. The submitted exercises and
assignments must be neat, organized, and complete in order to receive full credit.
There will be sanctions imposed when you are caught or proven cheating in submitted problem sets and during
examinations. The severity of the sanction will be commensurate with the degree of the violation incurred. Please
refer to the USC Code of Ethics for Students (www.usc.edu.ph/about_usc/code_of_ethics_for_students.jsp).

Dr. Alchris W. Go Engr. Luis K. Cabatingan

Prepared by Approved by
Faculty Chair, Department of Chemical
Engineering

Date Submitted
April 2016 Date Approved
for Approval

ANNEX 1: Case Study

[1] Gather and review kinetic data set of the given industrial reaction and determine appropriate rate
equations, kinetic parameters, activation energies and frequency factors; in other words, the essential
information about the kinetics of the chemical reactions. Enumerate or list down the reasons why certain
data cannot be calculated and what information is required to enable you to determine them. If necessary,
supply the required information by searching other literature/articles and estimating them through
available experimental data.

[2] Among the products that can be obtained through the reactive system, select a desirable product and
an undesirable one. Explain the choices you have made for these two, for example, their applications,
activities, or effects on health/environment.

[3] From all the data obtained, either supplied or gathered/estimated, recommend three multiple reactor
schemes that can be applied to produce the desirable product while minimizing the production of the
undesirable one. Clearly state the assumptions that have been made. Draw a clear and properly-labeled
illustration of each of the reactor scheme. Derive the corresponding performance equations and show the
progress of the reaction for each reactor in a graph (could be superimposed with each other to show the
differences). Discuss how should the feed or reactants be fed into the reactors (also, with recycle or not),
what conditions should be maintained in the system (relative concentrations of reactants; if possible the
pressure and temperature or discussions on what ranges can they be operated), and volume specifications.
Compare and contrast the three schemes in terms of achieved conversions (required), ease of operation
(preferred), and cost implications (optional).

[4] Identify among the three schemes which for you is the best. You can show this by using a matrix of
selection criteria with corresponding weights in terms of importance and scoring the reactor schemes based
on the criteria. Write a concluding paragraph explaining why such scheme is the best among the three.

[5] Cite and provide a list of relevant references using APA format.

[6] All the details of the items above should be written (typed) in sheets of short bond paper with an
appropriate title/front cover and affix your signature above name. Submit the manuscript/report at the
office of the Department of Chemical Engineering on or before May 15, 2017 (Thursday) and not later
than 9:00 AM.

Final Note: As this is an open-ended problem, there are many choices/configurations for the reactor
system that can be recommended. I would expect that each of you will have unique sets of choices,
assumptions, explanations and conclusions. This is not meant to be as exhaustive as a conceptual process
design but rather, must show achievement of the outcomes enumerated for the course. Any suspicious
Department of Chemical Engineering, University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines Page 5
points or sections in the report submitted may lead to demerits in the grade. As much as possible, work
independently.

Possible Case Studies:

As a senior engineers of a chemical process design firm, you and your team has been commissioned to
design a reactor which could process waste cooking oil having FFA content ranging from 10 to 20%. The
new biodiesel production plant wishes to have at least 5% share of the anticipated biodiesel demand for the
year 2020. Biodiesel in the form of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) is to be produced in either of the following
(trans)esterification process.

[1] Conventional Acid/Base Catalyzed (Trans)esterification

[2] Enzyme Catalyzed (Trans)esterification

[3] Non-catalytic (Trans)esterification

ANNEX 2: Assessment Rubrics

Rubric ChE01: Rubric for Portfolio (Problem Sets)

Quality Levels and Descriptors
1.0
1.3 2.0 3.0 4.0
Criteria Exceeds
Outstanding Competent Marginal Not Acceptable
Expectations
Answers Completely Completely Completely Answers Less
additional answers all of answers 85% answers 75% than 75% but
problems and the given of the given of the given greater than
Percent
cases not problem sets problem sets problem sets 50% of the
Completion
included in the and tasks. and tasks. and tasks. given problem
problem sets. sets and
tasks.

Rubric ChE02: Rubric for Objective and Multiple Choice Type of Exam
Quality Levels and Descriptors
1.0
1.5 2.0 3.0 4.0
Criteria Exceeds
Outstanding Competent Marginal Not Acceptable
Expectations
Correctly Correctly Correctly Correctly Obtains less
answers 95 % answers 90 % answers 85 % answers 75% than 75% but
Percent of Correct
of the of the of the of the greater than
Answers
questions or questions questions questions 50% correct
better answers.
This rubric is based on the grading scheme as stipulated in the student handbook.

Rubric ChE04: Rubric for Calculation Exams Related to Chemical Reaction Engineering
Exceeds Meets Partially Meets Does Not Meet
Expectations Expectations Expectations Expectations
(1.0-1.3) (2.0) (3.0) (4.0)
Student applies knowledge with Student applies knowledge with Student applies knowledge with Student makes significant
virtually no conceptual or no significant conceptual error occasional conceptual errors conceptual/procedural errors
procedural errors. and only minor procedural and only minor procedural when applying knowledge.
errors. errors.

Department of Chemical Engineering, University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines Page 6
Rubric ChE03-2: Rubric for Case Study
Quality Levels and Descriptors
1.0 -1.3 2.0 3.0 4.0
Criteria
Outstanding Competent Marginal Not Acceptable
Similarity Index Similarity Index Similarity Index Similarity Index
Academic Integrity below 10% between 10% to between 20% to between 30% to
19% 29% 39%
The description of The description of The description of The description of
the problem fully the problem the problem the problem does
defines in clear, adequately defines defines some not make clear the
precise terms the the reactor design reactor design and reactor design and
reactor design and and reaction reaction reaction
reaction engineering issues engineering issues engineering issues
engineering issues that need to be that need to be that need to be
that need to be addressed in addressed in addressed in
addressed in relation to the relation to the relation to the
relation to the desired and desired and desired and
desired and undesired reaction undesired reaction undesired reaction
Problem Description undesired reaction products and in products and in products and in
and Theoretical products and in view of the view of the view of the
Background view of the available kinetic available kinetic available kinetic
available kinetic data. data. data.
data.

The definition The definition However, the Demonstrates no

demonstrates demonstrates definition apparent
outstanding insight average insight demonstrates only understanding of
about the problem about the problem a very rudimentary the problem.
and solution and solution understanding of
constraints. constraints. the problem and
the solution
constraints.
The synthesis of The synthesis of The proposed The selection of the
the proposed the proposed kinetic model is proposed kinetic
kinetic model is kinetic model is based on minimal model is done
based on all based on fairly data about the arbitrarily, with no
available data and adequate amount system and on clear basis.
facts about the of data and facts many
system. about the system, assumptions.
with only few
assumptions.

Equations are Equations are Some errors exist Many errors exist in
properly reduced mathematically in the reduction the reduction and
Proposed Kinetic according to manipulated and mathematical mathematical
Model and assumptions and correctly to solve manipulation; manipulation and
Determination of mathematically for unknown on the appropriate inappropriate
Kinetic Constants manipulated left in terms of mathematical choice or improper
correctly to solve known on the right techniques and use of
for unknown on the (if possible); the algorithms are mathematical
left in terms of use of appropriate chosen but techniques and
known on the right mathematical erroneously algorithms.
(if possible); the techniques and implemented.
use of appropriate algorithms are
mathematical implemented with
techniques and minor error.
algorithms are
properly
implemented
without errors.
The synthesis of The synthesis of The proposed The selection of the
the proposed the proposed process is based proposed process
process is based process is based on minimal data steps is done
on all available on fairly adequate about the system arbitrarily, with no
Proposed Reactor
data and facts amount of data and and on many clear basis.
Scheme
about the system; facts about the assumptions;
the process system, with only process
component few assumptions; component
selection criteria process selection criteria
Department of Chemical Engineering, University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines Page 7
 reflect all component reflect most of the
constraints and selection criteria constraints but
applied very reflect most of the applied with high
objectively. constraints and level of
applied somewhat subjectivity.
objectively.

A complete and Relevant Relevant The provided

clear schematic of schematic is schematic is schematic is either
the system being provided but some provided but ambiguous or
described is information (state important incomplete,
provided and and condition) and information (state hindering the
properly labeled. labels (dimensions and condition) and assessment of the
and variables) as labels (dimensions system described
described in the and variables) as in the problem.
problem are described in the
missing, but would problem are not
not hinder the provided,
assessment of the hindering the
system described. assessment of the
system described
in the problem.
Calculations for Calculations for Calculations for No details in the
material & energy material & energy material & energy calculations for
requirements and requirements and requirements and material & energy
equipment sizing equipment sizing equipment sizing requirements and
are thoroughly are adequately are sparingly equipment sizing
detailed and detailed, with few detailed and have are provided to
Design Calculations
entirely error-free. minor errors, but major errors. allow
Presentation is could be better counterchecking.
well-organized for organized in
easy presentation for
counterchecking. easy
counterchecking.

Department of Chemical Engineering, University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines Page 8